KAMPALA, June 10 (Xinhua) -- Uganda on Wednesday started a nationwide distribution of free face masks as the country strives to combat the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
First Deputy Prime Minister Moses Ali flagged off the exercise that is targeting all Ugandans aged 6 years and above.
According to the ministry of health, the first 750,000 masks will be distributed to communities in the border districts of Adjumani, Amuru, Kyotera and Rakai where the risk of importing the disease from neighboring countries is high.
Over 30 million masks will be distributed countrywide, according to the ministry.
The country's President Yoweri Museveni on Tuesday said wearing face masks is mandatory as the country eases the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.
"If you want us to overcome the virus, listen to the advice given. Make sure you put on a mask at all times in public and if you have nothing to do in town, stay home," Museveni said.
Security agencies last month began enforcing mandatory wearing of face masks while in public.
Uganda has registered 665 COVID-19 cases, 119 recoveries and no one has died of the virus in the country, according to the ministry of health. Enditem
